Returning rugby league convert Sam Harris will join four debutants in the NSW Waratahs team for its opening Australian Provincial Championship rugby match against the Brumbies on Friday night.

Harris, back with the Waratahs after four seasons in the NRL with Manly and Wests Tigers, will be on the bench alongside former Wallaby centre Morgan Turinui for the away match at Viking Park.

The newcomers in the team to be captained by hooker Adam Freier are winger Nick Reily and openside flanker Beau Robinson, both in the starting side, and Shawn Mackay and Tim Davidson on the bench.

Australian Under-21 halfback Josh Holmes gets an early chance to impress in the absence of Brett Sheehan with the Wallabies and Josh Valentine with injury.

Coach Ewen McKenzie said Harris was making smooth transition back to union after being released early by Wests Tigers two weeks ago while Turinui was relegated to the bench because of an injury.

"Sam has trained extremely well since coming back from rugby league, in fact you wouldn't have guessed he ever left.

"As for Morgan, we thought it best to use him off the bench this week given the hand injury he's been carrying and we've got a squad of 30 to choose from.

NSW Waratahs: Peter Hewat, Lloyd Jones, Ben Jacobs, Tom Carter, Nick Reily, Daniel Halangahu, Josh Holmes, David Lyons, Beau Robinson, Dean Mumm, Will Caldwell, Ben Hand, Aaron Broughton-Rouse, Adam Freier (capt), Matt Dunning. Res: Al Manning, Matt Skillecorn, Shawn Mackay, Tim Davidson, Dave Rimmer, Sam Harris, Morgan Turinui.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP